Introduction by: Yoav David, City Architect, Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality

On the past, present, and future of public space in Tel Aviv-Yafo: How do we design spaces for people, what are the challenges, and what lies ahead for our city’s public spaces?

Half the world’s population lives in cities, and the trend shows everyone is flocking there – to the urban centers. These, it turns out, were not exactly built for humans. Danish architect Jan Gehl and his team set out to understand how so many mistakes were made in city planning, and how we can reclaim cities from cars and give them back to pedestrians and cyclists.

Gehl made rethinking urban spaces his life’s mission. “People need people,” explain numerous architects in the film, all inspired by Gehl, reminding us that originally we lived in tribes and extended families. Humans still need each other, but most urban environments encourage isolation. Is there a chance to correct this fundamental mistake? From New Zealand to Bangladesh, attempts are being made, and the film explores these efforts, inviting viewers into a delightful fantasy of ideal living spaces.